Thiazide diuretics cause a constant and significant loss of potassium. The classic treatment for this is to eat bananas and drink orange juice. Potassium supplements are also frequently prescribed.

Medications that combine thiazides and potassium-sparing diuretics might produce an unpredictable effect on potassium levels in the body. If you are taking such medications, do not increase your potassium intake except on the advice of your physician.

When taken over the long term, thiazide diuretics tend to increase levels of calcium by decreasing the amount excreted by the body and, indirectly, by affecting vitamin D.
5-8
It's not likely that this will cause a problem. However, since greatly increased calcium levels in the body can cause side effects such as calcium deposits, if you are using thiazide diuretics you should consult with your physician on the proper dose of calcium and vitamin D for you.

Preliminary evidence suggests that thiazide diuretics might impair the body's ability to synthesize coenzyme Q
10
(CoQ
10
),
9
a substance important for normal heart function. Although we don't know for sure that taking CoQ
10
supplements will provide any specific benefit, supplementing with CoQ
10
on general principle might be a good idea.

If you are using thiazide diuretics, do not take licorice root. Licorice root could exacerbate the potassium depletion caused by thiazides.
11
However, the special form of licorice known as DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) should not cause this problem.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.